While the media has been subjected to condemnation from government ranks over the past week, I am yet to see any strong case put forth against the sector.
When Nation Media Group went on air with the 'cooking oil importation scandal, the logical thing for those who felt aggrieved was to ask for a right of reply and put matters straight.
Coincidentally, that is what Trade CS Moses Kuria did last week while appearing at the Senate in a pre-planned session. However, by then, his derogatory comments and threats had already muddied the discussion.
The media has never claimed to be white as an angel's garment. It has its fair share of rogue elements and tempting moments. That is why there are various legal mechanisms through which it can be held accountable. The Media Council of Kenya exists for this purpose. Through the Media Council Act, there is a special body mandated to handle complaints raised against the media. It is called the Media Complaints Commission.
The body has three core functions. One is to mediate or adjudicate disputes between government and media and between public and media and intra-media on ethical issues. Secondly, it has the mandate of ensuring journalists adhere to the code of conduct for the practice of journalism in Kenya.
Lastly, it is mandated to achieve impartial, speedy, and cost-effective settlement of complaints against journalists and media enterprises without fear of favour. It is wrong to take Kuria's comments against Nation and the media in general as seeking accountability. He threatened government departments against advertising in the media.
He made comments using words far below his status. Yet, according to the President and his deputy, he was rightfully defending himself against a rogue media. Really? By calling journalists 'Malaya'?
Article 73 of the Constitution is explicit about the behaviour of state officers. It says authority assigned to a public officer must be exercised in a manner that demonstrates respect for the people, brings honour to the nation and dignity to the office, and promotes public confidence in the integrity of the office.
The rule of law must apply to all equally. The procedures for seeking accountability are well elaborated, and I'm pretty sure they were brought to the attention of state officers when they attended courses at the Kenya School of Government. The media is an ally in the quest for just governance. The expose of the NHIF reimbursements scandal, on which CS Susan Nakhumicha acted swiftly, is a good example.
Journalists are seekers of truth, and it should be in the best interest of government for the truth to be known. The price of any freedom is eternal vigilance.
